TUSCALOOSA, Ala.— Since arriving at Alabama in 2007, Nick Saban has taken every game seriously as the Crimson Tide’s head coach. His methodical process has earned four Southeastern Conference championships, four national championships and the affection of fans everywhere. He’s taught his players the same method, to take each game one step at a time. After getting his first undefeated regular season since 2009 and first three-peat over Auburn, Saban would tackle the statement on why his team would still get into in the College Football Playoff—even if were to lose to Florida in next week’s conference title game at the Georgia Dome.
“I hate it when you say that,” Saban said. “I hate it when people put that on TV, radio, internet or any kind of communication. Look, I am really proud of our team. But really, the legacy of our team still lies ahead in terms of what they can accomplish and what they can do.”
The 65-year-old said he does not want to minimize the accomplishment of having a perfect regular season, but he also wants this team to understand that more lies ahead and it starts with a conference title game.
“We still hold the SEC Championship in very high esteem,” Saban said.
“It’s a great accomplishment for any team and that’s our next focus. Whatever happens from there just happens. This is like being in the playoffs. You can’t fall in love with what you just done.”
Shaun Dion Hamilton took the same approach while he spoke during player interviews. The Montgomery, Ala., native led the team in tackles with eight and an interception, following the Tide’s 30-12 win over Auburn.
“Coach Saban always tells us that you can’t do anything about the past, so what’s the point of harping on being 12-0. That’s not going to get you a championship,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton said Saban told the players to let the media handle all the outside noise.
“We worry about what we can do on the field,” he said.
“We going to come out and get better at practice and be ready for Florida on Saturday.”
Alabama remains atop college football in the Associated Press and USA Today polls, while the third installment of playoff rankings will be released on Tuesday. Saban looks for his sixth conference title overall (2003, LSU) and Alabama’s 25th in school history.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
